The ceremony faded into quiet anticipation as the disciples awaited their final instruction—the valley assignments.
The central platform emptied gradually, leaving behind only the newly recruited disciples and a few elders responsible for their valley assignments.
Su Yang stood quietly with Jin Hao and Lin Xue as the elemental sect elders began calling names.
One by one, disciples were sorted into their elemental valleys based on their strongest affinity.
> "Tang Rou—assigned to the Thunder Wind Valley."
> "Bai Ning—assigned to the Wood Spirit Valley."
> "Mei Ling—Ice Serpent Valley."
Each name was met with excited murmurs as disciples stepped toward their new homes.
Then came:
> "Jin Hao—assigned to the Fire Valley."
Jin Hao's eyes lit up. "That's perfect for me. Fire's my strongest element." He turned to Su Yang. "Let's see where you go."
> "Lin Xue—assigned to the Ice Valley."
Lin Xue gave Su Yang a small nod before walking gracefully toward the silver-robed elders. Her expression remained calm, but Su Yang could sense her excitement under the surface.
Finally, Elder Mo's voice boomed again—but this time, with a tinge of surprise.
> "Su Yang... assigned to
Instantly, confused whispers rippled through the crowd.
> "Harmonious Elements? What valley is that?"
> "Isn't that the sealed valley the sect doesn't use anymore?"
> "That place only opens for special cases!"
Even the elders began to look at one another with furrowed brows. One robed man stepped forward and whispered something to Elder Mo, who nodded solemnly.
Su Yang's eyes narrowed slightly.
> "A special valley…?"
Jin Hao blinked. "You're not going to one of the Seven?"
"Apparently not." Su Yang replied calmly. "That valley's name... Harmonious Elements. Sounds like it's related to balance and compatibility between different elemental energies."
At that moment, a quiet voice cut through the murmurs.
> "Follow me."
An elder in black-and-gold robes stepped out from the shadows. Unlike the elemental valley elders, his presence was restrained, but powerful. He didn't look particularly old, but his eyes held centuries of wisdom.
Su Yang followed him as instructed, parting from Jin Hao and Lin Xue.
---
Valley of Harmonious Elements – Hidden Beyond the Peaks
They passed through a concealed path shrouded by ancient trees and a lingering mist. Strange symbols floated in the air as they walked, reacting to the elder's presence.
Eventually, the mist cleared to reveal an enormous waterfall that poured into a sparkling crystal lake. Seven streams of different elemental colors—blue, red, green, yellow, silver, white, and violet—fed into the lake.
Built upon the lake's edge was an ancient temple surrounded by vibrant flora. This was not a valley of one element—it was a convergence of all.
> "This… isn't a sealed place," Su Yang murmured. "It's sacred."
The elder turned to him. "You understand more than most. The Valley of Harmonious Elements was created for cultivators who possess multiple high-potential elemental affinities—or special physiques that defy traditional classifications."
> "Like my Karma Fire Body… and this Ice Body," Su Yang thought.
The elder continued, "You are the only disciple assigned here in past 10 years. You will cultivate alone, under special guidance. No distractions. No rivalry. But you must bear the weight of this path."
He raised his palm. A golden orb floated above his hand and entered Su Yang's chest.
> Ding! [Valley of Harmonious Elements recognized you as its disciple.]
[Cultivation speed within this valley increased by 100%.]
[Elemental resonance activated.]
[Balance of dual elements—pending mastery...]
Su Yang's eyes widened. The air around him suddenly felt alive. The fire in his blood responded to the flames dancing near the lake. The ice in his meridians resonated with the silvery mist from the waterfall.
> "This place… can help me refine my Fire and Ice at the same time."
The elder nodded. "Cultivate here until the Internal Duel. Use this time wisely. You have one month to strengthen your foundation and learn to stabilize your fusion."
> "Thank you, elder," Su Yang bowed sincerely.
The elder turned to leave but paused. "Also, be aware. Your name being first in the trial has created many enemies. Even now, they speak your name with envy. Use this valley as your sanctuary—and your crucible and also please be ready our Valley of Harmonious master want to meet you."."
---
Later That Night – Alone by the Lake
Su Yang sat cross-legged by the elemental lake, observing his system.
---
[System Status]
[Name]: Su Yang
[Age]: 14
[Cultivation]: Blood Tempering Realm (Low)
[Body]: Karma Fire Body + Frozen Heart Soul Incarnation (Unawakened)
[Main Element]: Fire, Ice
[Location Bonus]: Valley of Harmonious Elements — 2x cultivation boost
[Alchemy Rank]: Yellow-Tier (Mid)
[Pills Known]: Skin Tempering Pill
---
Su Yang exhaled deeply. "This valley is more than just a blessing—it's a statement. Whoever assigned me here wants me to rise."
He looked at his hand, where both heat and cold faintly flickered. "Let's see if I can truly master both elements…"